CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – As United States Forces-Iraq prepare to re-posture back to America, soldiers such as Pfc. William J. McCloskey, a native of Portland, Maine, and a generator mechanic with Golf Forward Supply Company, 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, have recently been working vigilantly on Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq, to accomplish the mission.

McCloskey joined the Army to do something different with his life; more than what the average job could offer him. His military occupational specialty is a 91D or generator mechanic, but as his unit prepares vehicles for turn in and get ready for the drive south to Kuwait, he has been working on humvees and light medium tactical vehicles, or LMTVs.

This job is usually performed by light wheeled vehicle mechanics, at least until there is a problem with a generator either on or off COB Adder such as the main water supply generators.

McCloskey is one of the few soldiers from his platoon that leave COB Adder on a regular basis to inspect and fuel the generator that powers the water pumps supplying COB Adder with water at a location close to the base.

“He is an instrumental part of the operation that supplies COB Adder with water.” said Staff Sgt. Johnson, McCloskey’s first line supervisor.

During his deployment with the Greywolf Brigade, he has earned the Army Physical Fitness Test Badge, qualified as an expert with his M4 rifle and has been named Warrior of the Week for the company.

In Jan. 2013, McCloskey’s current contract with the U.S. Army will end, and he must decide whether to stay in the Army or leave and pursue a civilian career. If he decides to stay in the Army, he wishes to attend the Prime Power School and become a prime power production specialist, but if he decides to leave the Army he plans on attending the Universal Technical Institute and become a certified mechanic.

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